I'll Never Say No To Stripes!

Creating a Beautiful Basement Bathroom with Chasing Paper Wallpaper

When we started thinking about updating our basement bathroom, I knew I wanted to create a space that felt thoughtful, elevated, and completely different from the typical basement bathroom. Even though this is a smaller room, I truly believe those spaces are often where you can have the most fun with design.

A bathroom does not have to be large to make an impact. In fact, a smaller space is the perfect place to experiment with wallpaper, color, and details that might feel like too much in a larger room. I wanted this bathroom to feel classic and collected while still having a little personality.

The biggest transformation came from adding wallpaper. Wallpaper has always been one of my favorite ways to bring character into a room, and this Chasing Paper design completely changed the feeling of the space. The vertical stripes add height, create movement, and make the bathroom feel much more intentional. It gave the room the charm and detail it was missing without requiring a major renovation.

For this refresh, I focused on a neutral palette with warm textures, natural elements, and timeless finishes. The goal was to create a bathroom that felt like it belonged with the rest of our home while still feeling special on its own.

Starting with the Wallpaper

The wallpaper was truly the starting point for this entire bathroom design. I wanted something that felt classic but not boring, and this striped pattern immediately caught my eye.

One of my favorite things about wallpaper is how much impact it can have in a small space. Instead of needing to completely change the vanity, flooring, or layout, wallpaper can completely shift the mood of a room.

The soft moss green and white stripes feel timeless and pair beautifully with the existing finishes in the bathroom. I love that it gives the room a little bit of contrast while still keeping everything light and airy.

Another thing I love about this wallpaper is that it works with so many different styles. The stripes lend a traditional feel but when paired with the rattan mirror, brass hardware and accessories, it feels fresh and updated.

Making a Small Bathroom Feel Larger

Small bathrooms can sometimes feel like an afterthought, but I think they are actually some of the most fun rooms to design. Since you are working with less square footage, every detail matters.

The vertical lines in the wallpaper help draw your eye upward and make the room feel taller. Pairing that with the round rattan mirror creates a nice balance between structured and organic shapes.

I love mixing different textures throughout a space like this. The woven mirror adds warmth against the crisp white vanity, while the marble countertop keeps everything feeling clean and classic.

These smaller details are what make a bathroom feel finished. It is not always about adding more. Sometimes it is about choosing pieces that work together and letting each one have a purpose.

The Details Make the Difference

When designing this bathroom, I wanted the vanity area to feel simple but intentional. We originally had just a pedestal sink down here but I always knew that I wanted to replace it with a vanity. This 36’’ fluted vanity is So gorgeous (and surprisingly affordable). It provides us with much needed storage, while still keeping the overall look clean and understated.

The brass hardware brings in a subtle warmth and works beautifully with the natural tones throughout the room. I love how small touches like cabinet hardware, mirrors, and lighting can completely change the personality of a space.

I also kept the styling minimal. Bathrooms can quickly feel cluttered, especially smaller ones, so I focused on a few pieces that add warmth without overwhelming the room; my favorite hand soap, fun art, the rattan mirror and woven waste basket, and seasonal greenery.

Choosing Finishes That Feel Timeless

One thing I always try to consider when designing a room is whether I will still love it years from now. Trends come and go, but classic finishes always have a place.

The combination of the marble countertop, chrome fixtures, soft wallpaper, and natural wood tones creates a look that feels fresh today but will still feel beautiful years from now.

I also love the contrast between the cool finishes and warmer accessories. The rattan mirror and woven textures soften the bathroom and keep it from feeling too sterile.

Bathrooms are naturally full of hard surfaces, so adding organic materials is one of my favorite ways to bring balance into the space.

Adding Personality Through Art and Accessories

The wallpaper created the perfect backdrop for adding artwork and decorative pieces throughout the bathroom. I wanted this space to feel like another room in our home, not just a functional area.

Adding artwork to a bathroom is one of those details that can easily be overlooked, but it makes such a difference. A framed piece instantly makes the room feel more finished and personal.

I also love adding greenery wherever I can. Even a simple branch or small plant can bring life into a space and soften all of the clean lines.

The goal was never to fill every corner. I wanted everything in this bathroom to feel intentional and collected.

Creating a Space That Feels Collected

The little corners of a home are often where the personality comes through the most. This area of the bathroom is a great example of how small styling moments can make a room feel complete.

The artwork, vase, and greenery add warmth and make the bathroom feel connected to the rest of our home. These are the details that make a space feel lived in rather than simply decorated.

I love when a room feels like it has evolved over time. Mixing textures, adding meaningful pieces, and choosing items that you genuinely love creates a much more personal feeling than simply buying everything at once.

Bringing in Warmth with Texture

Because the bathroom has so many clean lines, I wanted to bring in softer elements to balance everything out.

The woven basket adds texture and warmth while also serving a practical purpose. I love when functional pieces can also contribute to the overall design of a room.

This is something I think about throughout our home. The best pieces are the ones that are beautiful but also make everyday life easier.

Adding natural textures like rattan, wood, and woven materials is such an easy way to make a bathroom feel more inviting.

A Few Final Thoughts

This bathroom refresh reminded me that you do not need a huge renovation to completely change the feeling of a space. Sometimes the smallest rooms make the biggest impact when you give them a little attention.

The Chasing Paper wallpaper was the perfect starting point for this transformation. It added personality, depth, and so much charm while allowing all of the other details in the room to shine.

I love how this bathroom now feels connected to the rest of our home. It is classic, comfortable, and filled with small details that make it feel special.

If you have a small space in your home that feels unfinished, I hope this inspires you to look at it a little differently. A little wallpaper, a few thoughtful details, and pieces you truly love can completely transform a room.

Even the smallest spaces deserve to feel beautiful. Sometimes those tucked away rooms are where you can have the most fun creating something that feels completely your own.

Michelle PulmanComment